Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer
When it comes to easy, delicious meals, few things hit the spot quite like crispy chicken wings. And with the convenience of an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer in no time! Whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these wings are sure to impress. The best part? You don’t need to thaw them ahead of time. Just grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
The Upside of Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer

Using frozen chicken wings in your air fryer is a game changer. Not only do you skip the thawing process, but cooking them from frozen can actually yield a crispier skin. The air fryer circulates hot air around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get that coveted crunch. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! You can enjoy perfectly cooked wings without the mess of deep frying.
Gather These Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen chicken wings (make sure they have been patted dry)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cook’s Kit
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! Make sure it’s large enough to fit your wings in a single layer.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your dry rub ingredients.
- Basting Brush: For applying the hot sauce mixture to the wings.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure your wings are cooked to the perfect temperature.
Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by patting your frozen chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving that crispy skin. Remove any excess moisture to ensure the seasonings stick well.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and baking powder. This dry rub will give your wings an incredible flavor and help them crisp up nicely.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the wings, making sure to coat all sides. Don’t be shy—get in there and rub it all over!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your wings start cooking right away, allowing for even cooking and crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Wings
Place the seasoned frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in Frank’s Original Hot Sauce and brown sugar until well combined. This sweet and spicy sauce will take your wings to the next level!
Step 7: Toss with Sauce
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot sauce mixture over them. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your delicious Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy them fresh and hot—your taste buds will thank you!
Quick Replacement Ideas

- Hot Sauce: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a BBQ sauce instead of hot sauce.
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: Maple syrup or honey can be used as a sweetener alternative.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper or cumin for an extra kick.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
To ensure your wings turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the wings are completely dry before seasoning; moisture can hinder the crisping process.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; this will prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the wings; they should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Feel free to adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model; some may cook faster than others.
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you have any leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Place any leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Be sure to seal them tightly in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQ
Can I cook fresh chicken wings in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken wings will cook even faster than frozen wings. You can follow the same steps, just reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes.
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Using baking powder in your seasoning mix helps to draw moisture away from the skin, creating a crispier texture. Additionally, ensure your wings are patted dry before seasoning.
Can I use a different sauce for the wings?
Yes! You can easily customize your sauce. BBQ, teriyaki, or even a dry rub can work beautifully for different flavor profiles.
What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?
Classic ranch and blue cheese dressings are always popular options. You can also serve with celery sticks for a refreshing crunch!
Wrap-Up
Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious. The combination of spices, the perfect cooking technique, and the flavorful sauce makes these wings a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a snack for yourself or a dish to share with friends, these wings will always hit the mark. So fire up that air fryer, gather your ingredients, and let the flavor fiesta begin! Enjoy!

Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting your frozen chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving that crispy skin. Remove any excess moisture to ensure the seasonings stick well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and baking powder. This dry rub will give your wings an incredible flavor and help them crisp up nicely.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the wings, making sure to coat all sides. Don’t be shy—get in there and rub it all over!
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your wings start cooking right away, allowing for even cooking and crispiness.
- Place the seasoned frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
- While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in Frank's Original Hot Sauce and brown sugar until well combined. This sweet and spicy sauce will take your wings to the next level!
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot sauce mixture over them. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
- Plate your delicious Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy them fresh and hot—your taste buds will thank you!
Notes
- Ensure wings are patted dry for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Check internal temperature; wings should reach 165°F (74°C).
